ZigZag Education

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A2 Government and Politics

USA Updates — Autumn 2009

Every one of these topical Updates addresses a popular examination topic. Thorough & detailed topic resources, fully up to date, including discussion of 2008 US Elections, Obama & Biden as President & Vice, Sotomayor's Supreme Court appointment. Key questions throughout challenge students to consider their opinions.


Is the President Too Powerful? 2nd Edition

Explores the title question with for/against points. Detailed discussion from constitutional powers and limitations to 2001, the 'Imperial Presidency', and 'The Obama Effect'. New extended sections on G W Bush and Barack Obama.

The Presidency of George W Bush

Analyses the work of this controversial leader through the crisis of 9/11, his first term of office and his problematic second term. Highlights specific issues relevant to A2 & evaluates his 8 years in office, successfully comparing fact with theory.


The Importance of the Vice President 2nd Edition

Discussion of the often-overlooked post includes new case studies on choosing a running mate in 2008 and on Joe Biden's Vice-Presidency.

Affirmative Action 2nd Edition

Includes meaning and development of, and problems for, affirmative action; updated section on the Supreme Court and new section on Obama. Includes 3 case studies for in-depth study. Asks whether affirmative action should be ended, or mended.

The 2004 & 2008 Presidential Elections

Full analysis of all stages of the elections, from primaries and nominations to the debates, together with discussion of relevant issues such as: the importance of Third Parties, cost of elections, 'Why Bush won'('04), & 'Why Obama won' ('08).

'Very impressed… incredibly thorough and leaves no stone unturned… There is a strong link between theory and example, which is crucially important… The resource is full of facts and figures, thoughtfully examines the outcome of the 2008 election and was thoroughly well-received by my students… It is so up-to-date. At the moment, there is nothing else like it on the market!'
R Baker, Head of Politics and Customer Reviewer


Importance of Midterms (2002 & 2006)

Structured around case studies of 2002 and 2006. Analyses and factors affecting the results of midterm elections. Includes a look forward to 2010.

Cost of Elections in the USA: Is the price too high? 2nd Edition

Rewritten to focus on new case studies on 2006 midterms & 2008 elections. From PACs to 527s, Buckley v Valeo 1976 to McConnell v FEC 2003, presents the evidence on the rules and spending in US elections.

US Supreme Court 2nd Edition

Addresses crucial questions such as: 'Is the Court too powerful?', 'Is it too political?', and 'Was Sotomayor's appointment a political decision?'



Ordering Details

Order CodeTitleNotesPriceActions
web/3312Affirmative Action: Right or Wrong? (2nd Edn)20 photocopiable pages£19PreviewAdd to basket
web/3285Is the US President Too Powerful? (2nd Edn)30 photocopiable pages£19PreviewAdd to basket
web/1285The 2004 Presidential Election16 photocopiable pages£13PreviewAdd to basket
web/3036The 2008 Presidential Election39 photocopiable pages£39PreviewAdd to basket
web/3287The Cost of Elections in the USA (2nd Edn)19 photocopiable pages£15PreviewAdd to basket
web/3288The Importance of Mid-Terms (2002 & 2006 Elections)24 photocopiable pages£19PreviewAdd to basket
web/3286The Importance of the Vice President (2nd Edn)18 photocopiable pages£15PreviewAdd to basket
web/3037The Presidency of George W Bush28 photocopiable pages£29PreviewAdd to basket
web/3309US Supreme Court (4th Edn)25 photocopiable pages£19PreviewAdd to basket
web/3313USA Special Update Pack 2009 (All 9 Updates)Reduced price for buying all 9 Updates£149 Add to basket

Ordering information: contact us by phone (0117 950 3199), fax (0117 959 1695), email (orders@zigzageducation.co.uk) or post (ZigZag Education, Unit 3, Greenway Business Centre, Doncaster Road, Bristol BS10 5PY). Note that a cheque must accompany private orders. All prices are inclusive of VAT and postage (for the UK) unless specifically stated otherwise. Go to zigzageducation.co.uk to see details of all resources.

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More feedback from teachers on this resource (3036)
"A very comprehensive resource which deals very well with it's subject matter... I liked the combination of text and visuals, and well organised headings too." — M McLoughlin, Government and Politics Teacher and Independent Reviewer
"Very useful, well presented... Valuable up to date resources." — S Page, A Level Politics Tutor & Satisfied Customer
More feedback from teachers on this resource (3286)
"Very good and serves the intended purpose of this range... a clear and concise overview of the vice presidency and its fluctuating importance... It is a good overview of some of the key factors in this kind of question. Bringing it up to date with a survey of Cheney and commentary on Biden is exactly what teachers are looking for to help ensure currency in these topic areas... The points to consider boxes are good. Some of these offer discussion points that can be used in class or to set as extension questions, in class or for homework... Questions on the importance/lack of importance of the Vice President have occured in the past and this resource does provide a useful summary of some of some key arguments. The Cheney/Biden case studies are useful as it would be expected by examiners that candidates be able to comment on recent and indeed current office holders." — R Lawton, Government and Politics Teacher & Independent Reviewer
More feedback from teachers on this resource (3037)
"Very well produced and informative... I particularly liked the amount of depth and breadth of the resource." — M McLoughlin, Government and Politics Teacher and Independent Reviewer


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